What is in a family name? Well if you are a Versace there is quite a rich, colorful history not to mention lots of fabulous clothes. It is always compelling to watch the offspring spawn by famous families. Francesca Versace, my close friend and school mate, niece of the late great Gianni Versace and the formidable Donatella, daughter of the newly appointed member of the Italian Parliament and nucleus of the family business Santo and gorgeous Cristiana. And in true Versace form the thing I most admire about Francesca is her ability to mix with the bourgeois, and aristocracy with such effortlessness.
Upon completing her BA at Saint Martins with a triumphant degree collection Francesca is keeping busy with several different design projects and a charity foundation close to her heart.
So in the name of fashion I called one of my best friends to see what she is up to:
Markus Ketty: Ciao! Franci how are you? Anything new and exciting you want to tell me? I know London is not the same without me. It seems like just yesterday we were running around like mad working on our degree collections.
Francesca Versace: London could never be the same without you, hurry back!
MK: What are you currently working on?
FV: Currently I am working quite a bit on my charity Milano Young which I founded with nine friends including Barbara Berlusconi the daughter of Silvio Berlusconi the former Italian Prime Minister
MK: Fantastic tell me more about it
FV: You can check the website at milanoyoung.org We established the charity to raise money to help various causes, like the advancement of hospital facilities in various impoverished regions of Northern Italy. We also helped raise funds for the children’s school of the blind. We are also helping make the dream of young Italians come true by the chance to study in universities from the money we raise through different events. We are also organizing events in various universities with lectures given by the top faculty as well as Industry lectures with top companies and business leaders. All of us involved feel so fortunate we have been given the opportunities we have it is only natural to help those less fortunate. Everybody deserves a chance for a brighter future.
MK: Sign me up! I am quite moved. How can I help?
FV: Well, I have designed a capsule clothing collection that is available in various stores in Italy and soon through the website. It is quite sporty and fun. All the profit goes directly to the charity.
MK: Brilliant! Now tell me who and what else you are designing?
FV: I finished a capsule collection for The Singaporean based label “Alldressedup” called “Francesca V” a one of collection that is in stores now.”
MK: Where can fashionistas in America pick it up?
FV: Bergdorf’s in NYC, Saks fifth Avenue in Los Angeles and a some other boutiques. If you check the website http://www.alldressedup.com/www.alldressedup.com. I am also collaborating with Italian beer Icon Peroni on exciting interiors projects that is all very hush hush at the moment. Last September in Tokyo I helped them to launch the Nastro Azzurro brand of beer in conjunction with my graduate collection and a few new looks. It was an incredible experience to get to know Japaenese people, they are so imaginative and Tokyo is such an electric city. The shopping is bar none!
MK: Wow! I hope you got me lots of gifts. I heard a rumor through the grape vine you are working on menswear?
FV: I am in talks/consulting with Verri Uomo a historic Italian Menswear line to relaunch the brand.
MK: Remember how we would go around to all the different exhibitions in London and take massive amounts of notes, drawings etc for our sketchbooks. You would always get us in trouble by snapping photos. Do you still do that?
FV: As much as I can I go to all the current exhibitions and still sneak in a few photos away from security .
MK: Do you still do mood boards?
FV: Yes, it is the starting point for all my design.
MK: Oh! And the flee markets and vintage shopping you would drag me to. I was always thinking of the future and what is modern and slightly robotic and you were always looking at the past in a romantic sort of way.
FV: You know I find such treasures at the vintage markets in fact last time I went I purchased this ancient Turkish jacket and wore it to an event and Hamish Bowles of Vogue said it was an amazing piece.
MK: Do you ever reference your Uncle or in any way turn to him for guidance?
FV: He is a constant guidance for me as his blood runs through my veins. However, I always try to develop something new in order to express myself as an individual. My Uncle was an incredible Designer and Artist as is my Aunt Donatella. I will always have that Versace style but with my own twist.
MK: Last Question if you could have been born into any other famous fashion family which one would it be?
FV: Why Francesca Chanel of course
MK: Good Answer! Well I miss you and we must get together soon. Have your people call my people.
0 Response to "Interview | Francesca Versace"
Post a Comment